Undeclared Majors
Are you Exploring or Undecided ?
If you're beginning your university education with an exploring or undecided major you're not alone. It's not uncommon for freshman to begin without knowing what their major will be. In fact many first year students who identify they have a major upon entering college will change their majors several times before they graduate.
Deciding on a major is something you can do as you progress through your first year courses. During the first semesters, many of your courses will help you meet “breadth” or “general education” requirements. These are studies designed to give you a broad knowledge base and they include Composition, Mathematics, Fine Arts and Humanities, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Ethnic Diversity.
Tools to help Exploring Majors
Taking “General Education” Courses may help you decided on a major. As you progress through these courses, you may find that certain areas interest you more than others. This may help give you a general direction.
Talking with faculty in the areas that interest you most may also help you as you work towards a choice for a major. They may suggest readings, projects, internships or research that can help you learn more about career possibilities.
Talking with your Academic Advisor will provide you with a better understanding of the resources available. They can also help you create an academic plan which supports your need to explore several possible majors.
Talking with Friends & Family members will provide first-hand knowledge of possible career paths and academic majors. Friends and family members who are already in a career field may allow you to job shadow and learn from your own experience about a possible career.
Visiting the Career Center will provide several resources to help you explore majors and careers. The Career Centers has several career assessment tools to help you choose a major. There is a career counselor on staff to interpret career assessment tools.
Taking Career Exploration and Planning Courses (ASCK 092) provide students who need assistance choosing careers and academic majors with the tools necessary to select a major which considers their interests, skills, and values.
Joining a club or organization can provide you with an opportunity to explore possible majors and careers. UW-Parkside has several campus clubs which can introduce you to possible careers or major. There are clubs and organization which are afflicted with specific academic majors and/or careers. Your experiences with clubs can be an asset as you look for employment.
